The Canal Rocks boat ramp will remain open to all users, after environment minister Stephen Dawson reviewed a risk assessment about the safety of the ramp.
The boat ramp has been in operation since the 1970s, with new facilities constructed adjacent to the old ramp in 2002.
Over the past decade, the boat ramp has been at risk of closure due to safety concerns associated with its use.
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions engaged marine consultancy, Marico Marine, to undertake an independent risk assessment of the boat ramp, which included a community workshop with key stakeholders.
The report recommended the Canal Rocks boat ramp remain open for public use, with ongoing works to improve its safety.
This would include moving the finger jetty to the western side of the ramp and increasing its width to allow for safer use. It also recommended that the ramp be realigned to better suit the predominant wave direction.
While upgrades are planned, DBCA will keep the boat ramp open to all users and will install improved signage to better inform users of any risks associated with its use.
Environment minister Stephen Dawson said the Canal Rocks boat ramp was highly valued by fishermen, divers and tourism operators, and he knows many will be relieved to hear that it would not have restricted access.
"The McGowan Government supports recreational and commercial access to the state's coastal areas, with community safety the number one priority," he said.
"I am happy to announce that a decision has been made to keep the boat ramp open to all users, with ongoing works to mitigate any potential risks."
City of Busselton mayor Grant Henley said they were really happy with the outcome and that marine rescue volunteers, fishermen and other boat users would be pleased as well.
Mr Henley said there was a good consultation effort after the second study which looked into the safety of the boat ramp.
"It is a good outcome and one the community will appreciate, we commend the minister for that," he said.
Vasse MLA Libby Mettam said she welcomed the state government's "backflip" on their recommendation to shut down the boat ramp.
Ms Mettam said more than a year ago the the government recommended the closure and after pressure from commercial and recreations users, it was great to hear this vital facility would remain open.
"This is a great outcome for the local community which was angered by the Government's knee jerk reaction to close this important facility in January 2018," she said.
"Hundreds of people, including local community, commercial and recreational users from the South West rallied against the proposal on 29 October, 2017.
"A total of 3,367 people signed a petition tabled in parliament on November 23, 2017, objecting to the move and calling on the McGowan Government to ensure the facility remained open to all users."
